My name is Chris Lavin. In 2005 at the age of only 50, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, we were told I should expect “reduced life expectancy” and needed immediate treatment. I talked to four experts to understand what it all meant in terms of numbers and quality.
I decided to become part of a medical trial called STAMPEDE at Western Park Hospital, Sheffield, England, and every month for 18 months I was treated with Zoeldronic Acid and then underwent radiotherapy.
For me with my Cancer you hang on to numbers as I can understand them, there are 2 sets of numbers that mattered Gleeson score and PSA level and once someone from the medical profession gives you a number you can search the Internet.
I had a Gleeson score of nine. Were 1 is slow growing cancer and 10 is the most severe. I searched the net to find out more information, after all knowledge is power. In addition, my PSA would go up and down like a yo-yo, again more searching.
I did not know how long I had good health but I wanted nothing more than to believe that these treatments would provide my cure.
I went through all the emotions: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, there was more. I no longer had control of my life. My life was now determined daily by appointments and treatments. I worried myself sick about my family and what they must be going through.
Cancer did not define who I was, or who I am. However, it did teach me to appreciate so much especially the little things in life. I had to help my body recover from all that had been done to it.
My wife in particular was a god send, making sure we had holidays and just doing things together
During this time, I felt I relied on so many others, I was very lucky as I had my own business and my partners and work colleagues were fantastic in understanding my mood swings and worry. When the day came, and I was given the news that not only was I done with treatment, but my cancer was in remission, all of a sudden, I felt I had my life back, I only had to receive a Zoladex injection every three month's
Then in 2008 I lost my business and in 2009 I was told I had secondary cancer. I was scared, not me again, what do I tell my family? I believe being told you have secondary Cancer is worse that the first time, especially as I am now waiting for the cancer to return. I have had some very dark days were you wonder what is this all about. Now I have just decided my glass is half full not half empty, thankfully I have a wonderful brother and sister and there family who support me emotionally and financially and with the support of my family and friends I will continue to fight. If you are interested in what I have done since being told about my secondary cancer, please click here
This is not to take away that I once beat cancer. In addition, I knew that others could beat cancer,
During this time I have spent countless hours searching the internet, media and talking to friends. My story is not unique, my story is not the most extreme. However, if knowing that someone has once beaten cancer helps you to face your own, then I am happy, and if you have any ideas that might make this site better please email me at chris@wocanre.com.
Thank you, for your time.
I decided to become part of a medical trial called STAMPEDE at Western Park Hospital, Sheffield, England, and every month for 18 months I was treated with Zoeldronic Acid and then underwent radiotherapy.
For me with my Cancer you hang on to numbers as I can understand them, there are 2 sets of numbers that mattered Gleeson score and PSA level and once someone from the medical profession gives you a number you can search the Internet.
I had a Gleeson score of nine. Were 1 is slow growing cancer and 10 is the most severe. I searched the net to find out more information, after all knowledge is power. In addition, my PSA would go up and down like a yo-yo, again more searching.
I did not know how long I had good health but I wanted nothing more than to believe that these treatments would provide my cure.
I went through all the emotions: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, there was more. I no longer had control of my life. My life was now determined daily by appointments and treatments. I worried myself sick about my family and what they must be going through.
Cancer did not define who I was, or who I am. However, it did teach me to appreciate so much especially the little things in life. I had to help my body recover from all that had been done to it.
My wife in particular was a god send, making sure we had holidays and just doing things together
During this time, I felt I relied on so many others, I was very lucky as I had my own business and my partners and work colleagues were fantastic in understanding my mood swings and worry. When the day came, and I was given the news that not only was I done with treatment, but my cancer was in remission, all of a sudden, I felt I had my life back, I only had to receive a Zoladex injection every three month's
Then in 2008 I lost my business and in 2009 I was told I had secondary cancer. I was scared, not me again, what do I tell my family? I believe being told you have secondary Cancer is worse that the first time, especially as I am now waiting for the cancer to return. I have had some very dark days were you wonder what is this all about. Now I have just decided my glass is half full not half empty, thankfully I have a wonderful brother and sister and there family who support me emotionally and financially and with the support of my family and friends I will continue to fight. If you are interested in what I have done since being told about my secondary cancer, please click here
This is not to take away that I once beat cancer. In addition, I knew that others could beat cancer,
During this time I have spent countless hours searching the internet, media and talking to friends. My story is not unique, my story is not the most extreme. However, if knowing that someone has once beaten cancer helps you to face your own, then I am happy, and if you have any ideas that might make this site better please email me at chris@wocanre.com.
Thank you, for your time.
Chris
